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The Day of Your Operation

Food and Drink

  • Do not eat anything at least 4 hours before the procedure. Stop drinking clear liquids 2 hours before.36 Your health care team will let you know if they want you to follow a different schedule.
  • You can usually take your morning medication with a sip of water. Check with your doctor about this. If you are a diabetic, your insulin may have to be adjusted.

Preventing Surgical Infection

Decrease the bacteria on your skin and in your mouth.

  • Wash your chest and abdomen with an unscented, mild antibacterial soap. Dry with a clean towel after your shower.
  • Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
  • Do not shave the surgical site.
  • Do not apply any cosmetic products after your shower. This includes lotions, cream, powder, deodorant, makeup, or perfume.

What to Bring

  • Personal hygiene items
  • Robe and pajamas that open in the front
    Underwear
  • Footwear that is easy to put on
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Loose-fitting clothes to wear home
  • Small travel pillow to elevate your surgical arm for traveling home
  • Reading material or other hobby
  • Bra: Lumpectomy patients may wear a soft, front-closing, non-wire bra. If you are having a mastectomy, discuss bra options with your surgical team.
  • A family member or friend: It may be helpful for them to take notes for you. You will be asked to leave the name and contact phone number of the person you would like to be called when your surgery is over.
  • Someone to drive you home

What to Leave Behind

  • Valuables, including money, credit cards, and jewelry
  • Contact lenses (wear eyeglasses instead)
You will be asked to wash your chest and abdomen before surgery. Your surgeon will also scrub your chest prior to surgery to prevent surgical site infections. Image Credit: Anne Vinsel. Used with permission.
You will be asked to wash your chest and abdomen before surgery. Your surgeon will also scrub your chest prior to surgery to prevent surgical site infections. Image Credit: Anne Vinsel. Used with permission.

Safety Checks and Guides

You will have an ID band placed on your wrist. You will be asked your name and birth date several times, and it will be checked against your ID band. You will be asked to confirm the site of your breast procedure (right or left or both). A member of the surgical team will mark the site with a marker.

All visitors should wash their hands when entering or leaving. They should wash their hands before helping you with your dressings or surgical drains.

An example of how your breast might be marked as correct surgical site. Image Credit: Anne Vinsel. Used with permission.
An example of how your breast might be marked as correct surgical site. Image Credit: Anne Vinsel. Used with permission.

Decreasing Your Risk for Blood Clots

There is a risk of blood clots after any surgery. Risk depends on how long your operation takes and your personal history.31

Your team will place support or compression stockings on your lower legs before surgery, or in the operating room. You will be asked to walk soon after surgery to help prevent blood clots.32 You may also be given a medication to decrease your risk for blood clots.55

Anesthesia

The anesthesiologist will talk with you about what to expect. They will discuss what will be used to safely keep you comfortable during and after the procedure.

An IV will be started in your arm for medication and fluids. This is usually the arm opposite from the surgical site. While you are asleep, your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored. You will receive oxygen through a breathing tube placed in your throat.

Family Updates

Your surgeon will let you know how long the procedure will last. Your family member/support person will be called when the procedure is done.